Bayern Munich News: The aftermath of FC Bayern’s 4-3 win over Mainz 05

• As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
• The rotation was heavy with subs, but — as expected — there was not an influx of young players. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye did get the nod, which was cool to see, but there was never going to be any real intent other than to fill certain spots with starters because Kompany had to. It was clear that the focus (and rightly so) was on Paris Saint-Germain next week in the Champions League.
• How serious was Kompany about resting some of his guys? The head coach did not even bring Joshua Kimmich or Dayot Upamecano on the trip.
• Bayern Munich was fairly dominant early on, which is both crazy and impressive considering the typical ramp up to build some chemistry as a unit.
• Mainz would take advantage of some of that lack of familiarity as a corner attempt created a scrum. Urbig failed to get enough on his punch to clear it, which led to the ball eventually falling to Kaishu Sano, who had a great touch and cross to Dominik Kohr (!?) who volleyed it in for a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.
• This sounds kind of bad to say, but it was hard to even fret that play. Mainz was playing to clinch staying up in the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich just was trying to fill out a lineup.
• The goal ignited the confidence of Mainz who played much more authoritatively after that.
• Urbig was getting tested steadily as he would end up seeing Mainz take 21 shots. Urbig would finish with five saves.
• After Guerreiro lost a ball, Mainz erupted on a break where Nadiem Amiri was able to break free and rip a shot at Urbig, who punched the hard shot forward, only to see Paul Nebel scoop up the rebound and deposit it into the net. All of a sudden, Mainz was up 2-0 in the 29th minute.
• Again, it is hard to get too concerned, but the backline of Konrad Laimer, Kim Min-jae, Hiroki Itō, and Alphonso Davies was sloppy at best in the first half. The midfield and attack were not much better, either.
• Urbig might have thought he was back at FC Köln.
• It was safe to say that there was a lack of motivation and focus for Bayern Munich.
• Ndiaye is probably not ready for prime time just yet, but there were positives in his performance. This was a massive step for him and it was great to see him turn in a solid showing, but he has some development to do. Either way, it was great to see him get the chance to prove his mettle.
• Davies had a good look in the 40th minute, but could not get his attempt on frame.
• Astoundingly (Ass-toundingly?), Mainz scored again. This time, Sano (who was terrific) sent a ball into Amiri, whose shot was initially saved by Urbig (it was a great stop, but it nicked the crossed, which caused it to have some insane backspin). The rebound spun aimlessly backward near the goal line only for Sheraldo Becker to poach the goal right before halftime.
• So, yeah…how about that PSG match?
• This was one of the few times that we have seen a Bayern Munich squad under Vincent Kompany lack fire, motivation, focus, and direction. Again, it is hard to imagine anyone is flipping tables over this, given the lack of stakes, but it was not a great vibes-type game heading into such a key UCL fixture. So, Kompany sprung into action.
• Just a sidenote: I could be wrong, but it sounded like Mainz was playing the A-Team theme right before the second half started. Did anyone else hear that?
• Kompany brought on Kane and Olise at halftime, which seemed kind of risky, but it did pay massive dividends.
• In the 53rd minute, Goretzka had an interception and it eventually led to Laimer launching a cross that Jackson volleyed it in. 3-1! It was a strong finish from Jackson, though some will argue Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz could have done better with it.
• Regardless of the goal, Bayern Munich did look *a lot* more into the game in the second half.
• In the 73rd minute, Olise ripped off a beautiful curling shot for another goal. What a freaking shot…wow.
• Inexplicably, Bayern Munich battled all the way back and took the lead! First, some frenzied play resulted in a goal from Jamal Musiala, who knocked in a ball during a scrum in the 80th minute.
• The Moose would get loose and create the second goal as well when his cross was pushed out by Batz…right to Kane, who just does not miss wide open chances from point-blank range. That 83rd goal was just incredible because you could feel how Bayern Munich just snatched the momentum of the match.
• As much as no one wanted to see those subs come in, they took over the game and were dominant.
• At halftime, I joked in the Gamethread that Kompany’s reaction to the lackluster first half would be outside the box and a chance to reveal his love of 80s music, allowing him to break out his new motivational tactics featuring one of his favorite bands (we think) — Mike and The Mechanics:
• Naturally, we have a new rally theme song here.
• Bayern Munich loanee Armindo Sieb came into the match and was not great. A sale this summer seems like it should be in play.
• Urs Fischer had to be beside himself with that collapse.
• Laimer finished with two assists, which was nice to see, especially after the tough first half that the entire backline had.
• Overall, Bayern Munich — once again — showed heart and fight in a crazy comeback. Anyone watching was probably outright stunned at how the Bavarians just locked in during the second half to take over and claw out a hard-fought victory. What a game! On to PSG! If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look of a listen:

City favorite to land Anderson (ESPN)

Manchester City could be ahead of everyone in its pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson:

Sky Sports suggests that Manchester City are in pole position to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Manchester United and Arsenal also want to bring in the 23-year-old, but there is an increasing belief that he will be playing at the Etihad next term, though The Athletic reports that City are also considering Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández for a midfield role. Elsewhere, City are looking at RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and AFC Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi as they aim to strengthen further up the pitch, although the former is also high on the shortlists of Bayern Munich and Liverpool. At one point, Bayern Munich was rumored to be looking at Anderson, but the price tag might have exceeded the threshold of what the Bavarians want to pay for the impressive 23-year-old.

LFC could be major challenge in Gordon pursuit (TEAMtalk)

Liverpool might be an obstacle for Bayern Munich on the way to acquiring Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon:

Liverpool are a major threat to Bayern Munich for the signing of Anthony Gordon, according to a German source, as TEAMtalk reveals how the Newcastle United winger views a potential move to Anfield.

Gordon is one of the best left-wingers in the Premier League, with Liverpool keen on securing the services of the Newcastle star in the summer transfer window. Liverpool were close to a deal for the winger in the summer of 2024, when Newcastle were facing PSR issues, and the Merseyside club are back on his trail.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on April 15 that Liverpool are planning to raid Newcastle for Gordon.

Gordon, whose “pace is frightening”, according to former Reds star Jamie Carragher on Blood Red: Liverpool FC in August 2024, grew up as a Liverpool fan and would find a move to Anfield very appealing.

LFC, PSG leading pack on Diomande? (ESPN)

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain might be emerging as the two teams most interested in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande:

Yan Diomande’s agents are already in talks with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, says Bild. But RB Leipzig value the 19-year-old’s transfer at around €100 million and are confident they can persuade him to stay in Germany for another season at least. RB Leipzig wants to keep Diomande, but if the price tag continues to grow, *Die Roten Bullen* could cash out. Diomande has 13 goals and nine assists in 33 games across all competitions this season.

Spurs wants Goretzka (To the Lane and Back)

It seems like AC Milan is the frontrunner to land Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, but Tottenham Hotspur could make a late run at him:

Tottenham have been in the market vying for a move for young players with high potential for a couple of summers, but it looks like the Lilywhites are back in the market looking for some experienced campaigners, and the latest link just shows exactly that.

The Lilywhites are looking to bring Leon Goretzka to Hotspur Way in the off-season. The German midfielder is set to leave his current employers at the end of the season as his contract with Kompany & Co. runs out. And by the looks of it, Tottenham are placing themselves among the clubs vying for his signing.

United eyeing Koopmeiners (ESPN)

Manchester United is scoping Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners:

Manchester United are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, says Tuttosport. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to take a chance on the 28-year-old Netherlands international despite a difficult season for the Bianconeri during which he has been moved away from his preferred midfield position and deployed 12 times at center back. Koopmeiners’ representatives are already assessing potential options for a summer move, with Galatasaray also interested. *If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…*

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